Incident Overview

Date: Thursday 15 July 2021
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-3T Vazar Turbine Otter
Owner/operator: Harbour Air
Registration Number: C-GUTW
Location: Ganges Harbor Airport, BC (YGG) – ÿ Canada
Phase of Flight: Standing
Status: Substantial
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Component Affected: Aircraft propellerAircraft propeller
Category: Accident
A Cessna 208 aircraft, operated by Seair Seaplanes Ltd., experienced a collision with a DHC-3T float-equipped aircraft following a dockhand release of a guide rope. The aircraft rotated 90 degrees, striking the rear of the DHC-3T, resulting in significant damage to both aircraft.A Cessna 208 aircraft, operated by Seair Seaplanes Ltd., experienced a collision with a DHC-3T float-equipped aircraft following a dockhand release of a guide rope. The aircraft rotated 90 degrees, striking the rear of the DHC-3T, resulting in significant damage to both aircraft.

Description

A float-equipped Cessna 208 aircraft (C-GIGO), operated by Seair Seaplanes Ltd., was preparing to conduct a flight from Ganges Harbour, BC to Vancouver Airport, BC with 1 crew member on board. Prior to the engine starting, the dockhand assisting the pilot untied the guide rope and held it in his hand. When the engine started the aircraft travelled forward pulling the rope from the dockhand. The aircraft began travelling forward until the propeller of C-GIGO struck the rear of a float-equipped DHC-3T (C-GUTW) operated by Harbour Air. After the initial prop strike, the pilot of C-GIGO quickly shut down the engine as the aircraft rotated 90 degrees striking C-GUTW with the right-hand wing. C-GUTW was tied to the dock with no one on board during the occurrence. There were no injuries; both aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Primary Cause

Dockhand release of guide rope during engine start.Dockhand release of guide rope during engine start.

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